What exactly is a Thermobaric weapon and how does it work?

Subject: What exactly is a Thermobaric weapon and how does it work? May 12th 2010, 10:46 pm

I'm curious about a weapon referenced in a horror novel. It was a bomb called a thermobaric weapon. I know it's a real weapon but I am somewhat unaware of what it does and what effects it has on people and/or structural property. Can someone give me an answer without too much tech talk?